Share this:

Alex Boone is embracing a move from tackle to guard and will compete for a starting role.

(05-10) 20:44 PDT — On the first day of the 49ers‘ offseason program, offensive line coach Mike Solari took Alex Boone into a meeting room and delivered news that blindsided the offensive tackle: He would be moving to guard, a position he’d never played at any level.

The news wasn’t only surprising, it was disappointing. At least initially.

“At first I was not for it in my own mind,” Boone said. “Now I love it. Anything that can help the team get better I’m all for.”

Boone is among those in competition to win the starting spot at right guard, which was occupied by Adam Snyder last year. Snyder signed with the Cardinals in the offseason, prompting the 49ers to look to Boone, 25, who has spent the past two seasons as a backup tackle, the position he played at Ohio State and St. Edward (Ohio) High School.

Boone’s competition will include two 2011 draft picks, Daniel Kilgore and Mike Person, along with rookie Joe Looney, San Francisco’s fourth-round selection in last month’s draft.

Boone will have to overcome two obstacles to win the job. At 6-foot-8 and 303 pounds, he’s both lighter and taller than a typical guard. Boone hopes to add about 20 pounds while working on his technique.“You’re never too tall to play anything, as long as you can sink low enough and you can get leverage on guys,” Boone said. “… As long as you can get lower than the guy across from you, you’re going to be fine. That’s the bottom line.”

Smith enlists House’s help: Quarterback Alex Smith said he has spent time in Southern California this offseason working with former major-league pitching coach Tom House on his throwing mechanics.

Now a volunteer pitching coach at USC, House, 65, has also worked with Saints quarterback Drew Brees. In fact, Brees recommended House to Smith.

Smith said he worked with House on finding “a healthier throwing motion” with an emphasis on being more efficient in his drops while getting his legs, hips, shoulders and head in better position.

Smith said he picked up bad habits following shoulder surgeries in 2007 and 2008.

“I’m really finally able to take advantage of this time and go at some things mechanically and fundamentally that I’ve been doing,” Smith said. “Or things that I’ve adapted that aren’t good and try to change those things.”

Six down, one to go: The 49ers have signed six of their seven draft picks, the lone exception being Illinois wide receiver and first-round pick A.J. Jenkins. Every draft pick will be in attendance at the three-day rookie minicamp, which begins Friday.

Looney will not be a full participant in the camp due to a Lisfranc foot injury he suffered at the Senior Bowl in January.

Rookie ready for Rice: Jenkins said he plans to call Jerry Rice, who has offered to take the rookie on “The Hill,” a 2 1/2-mile uphill training run Rice made part his daily offseason workouts during his playing career.

Jenkins, 22, said he’s dubious about his ability to beat Rice, 49, to the top.

“I want to at least try,” Jenkins said. “He’s one the best wide receivers ever, so I want to do what he does. I want to be that one day.”

Davis’ brother charged in murder

The younger brother of 49ers tight end Vernon Davis has been charged with murder in Washington, D.C., in the death of a man visiting the nation’s capital from Colorado.

D.C. police say 19-year-old Michael Davis was charged Wednesday with first-degree murder while armed in the death of 66-year-old Gary Dederichs of Denver. Davis was previously arrested in connection with two assault cases and was being held in jail at the time of his arrest.

Police say they were called on April 24 to the city’s Petworth area on a report of an unconscious person. Officers found a man suffering from head trauma, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Michael Davis is also the brother of Dolphins cornerback Vontae Davis.